Spicy Island Carrots

Spicy Island Carrots Recipe - Vegetarian Jamaican Cuisine

Region / culture: Jamaica | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Island Carrots are a delicious and flavorful side dish that will add a kick to any meal. The combination of sweet brown sugar, spicy hot pepper sauce, and aromatic cumin make these carrots a standout dish.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from Caribbean flavors, where the use of hot peppers and spices is common in cooking. The addition of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the heat of the peppers.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) baby carrots, sliced or unsliced, or regular carrots, sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp chili powder

How to prepare

In a medium nonstick saucepan, add the carrots and cover with water.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender but still firm.
Drain the carrots and transfer to a bowl.
Dry the saucepan and coat with nonstick spray.
Add the brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, and chili powder.
Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sugar bubbles and the spices are fragrant.
Add the carrots.
Toss or stir to coat the carrots with the sauce.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the carrots evenly so that they cook at the same rate.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chili powder.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Spicy Island Carrots alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the carrots until they are tender but still firm. This will ensure that they have a nice texture and hold up well to the spicy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hot pepper sauce, you can use sriracha or your favorite hot sauce instead. You can also use ground coriander or paprika in place of the cumin.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the carrots. Simply reheat the sauce and toss with the cooked carrots before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spicy Island Carrots with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

These carrots pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. They also make a great addition to a rice or grain bowl.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 80 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Carrots are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Carrots are not a significant source of protein, but this recipe provides about 1 gram of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is important for eye health. They also contain vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Spicy Island Carrots are a nutritious side dish that is low in fat and calories. They are a good source of vitamin A and provide a boost of flavor to any meal.

Summary

Spicy Island Carrots are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these carrots are sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Spicy Island Carrots caught my eye. The vibrant colors and exotic ingredients intrigued me, and I knew I had to try it.

I asked Mrs. Jenkins about the recipe, and she smiled as she told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. Mrs. Jenkins graciously shared the recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients for the Spicy Island Carrots and set to work in my kitchen. I peeled and sliced the carrots, chopped the onions and garlic, and mixed all the spices together. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a blend of sweetness and heat that made my mouth water.

As the carrots simmered on the stove, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a dance of sweet and spicy that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that would bring joy to my family and friends for years to come.

Over the years, I have made the Spicy Island Carrots countless times, each batch better than the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a touch more ginger or a pinch of cayenne to suit my taste. But the essence of the dish remains the same, a perfect balance of flavors that never fails to impress.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on just as Mrs. Jenkins did to me. Each time I make the Spicy Island Carrots, I think of her and the bond we shared over our love of cooking. I am grateful for the day I stumbled upon that recipe in her cookbook, a gift that has brought so much joy to my life.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of Spicy Island Carrots on the stove, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together. The smell of ginger and cinnamon fills the air, and I can't help but smile as I think of all the meals I have shared with loved ones over this dish.

I may not know the exact origins of the recipe for Spicy Island Carrots, but I do know that it holds a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the friendships I have made, the memories I have created, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with those you love.

As I plate up the Spicy Island Carrots and set them on the table, I can't wait to see the smiles on my family's faces as they take their first bite. I know that this dish will bring us together, just as it has done so many times before.

And as we sit down to eat, I offer a silent thank you to Mrs. Jenkins and all those who came before her, for passing down this recipe and allowing me to create something truly special. The Spicy Island Carrots may be just a dish, but to me, it is a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of cooking.